With adequate warning the people were able to board up buildings able to withstand a cyclone. However many homes not built to withstand cyclones could not afford to do any boarding up. I was told when traveling around the main island of Efate that the Official Meteorology Department Airspeed Indicator broke down at 350+ km an hour (220 mph). When a Category Five Cyclone hits a country the wind velocity is a critical factor in the safety of the inhabitants.
News agencies, along with NGO’s on the ground in Vanuatu, were reporting Tropical Cyclone Pam as one of the worst disasters to ever hit the Pacific region. Thousands were left homeless and the economy of this small island nation severely battered. After visiting the Philippines after Super Typhoon Haiyan I was only expecting the same or worse in terms of the views of destruction. One never wishes such tragedy on anyone.
The South Pacific is a fragile ecosystem where the people depend on the land around them for food. That is their supermarket when it comes to subsistence.
When Cyclone Pam came to Vanuatu, prayers were being sent heavenward for protection of, not only our Brethren there, but the entire population. The Australian Union was given notice for a need of prayer as nobody knew the exact direction or turn Cyclone Pam would take. Vanuatu Mission is currently part of the newly formed South Pacific Union Mission.
Upon landfall, Cyclone Pam’s eye came barrelling down directly into Efate Island of which Port Vila is the Capital City. The periphery of the storm hit the outlying islands of Ambae, Malakula, Epi, Tanna and more. Our churches and members were affected on Efate, Ambae, Malakula and Epi Islands. Epi Island took the brunt of damage when it comes to losses in church members structures.
For several days the Australian Union could not get any information out of Port Vila on the needs or damage done to the Islands. Communication towers were damaged and repairs needed. Finally we were able to get in contact with several brethren who were able to update us on the condition of all or most of the Brethren there. None of the Brethren lost their lives, which was our main concern.
News of damage was heavy throughout the Islands. The International Airport on Efate Island was shutdown, and we were concerned that because it was shut our newest church building near the airport would be severely damaged. Though roads flooded and trees downed all around, our Vanuatu Welfare Department Director was able to go visit the building. All around the neighbourhood giant trees were toppled; the large grove of Bamboo in front of the church was destroyed. However, God be praised that only the front veranda sustained some damage from the storm due to high wind exposure.
Next door to Port Vila Church giant trees knocked down due to high winds
However, we are sad to report that our second church on Efate Island sustained major structural damage. The cyclonic winds were able to gain entry and make the church building uninhabitable. Currently, until the structure is rebuilt, the brethren meet in a combined services in Bladinierre Estate Church. The members are united and rebuilding the damaged church in the Eratap District.
During my visit a small portion of the Aid Dollars sent as contributions has been allocated towards assisting the Brethren there to start rebuilding. We anticipate more funds will be needed as a good portion of the structural components need to be replaced due to white ant damage (Subterranean Termites). The Welfare Department has announced a work schedule and members and visitors will come together to commence repairs.
Due to the high peripheral winds several houses were damaged and one completely destroyed. Some houses lost roofs and many endured wind driven damage. On Epi Island 10-13 houses were severely damaged or completely destroyed. Over 135 corrugated roofing iron sheets were purchased in Port Vila at a considerable expense as availability of roofing iron was on a very limited basis with many people looking for this product. Patience was needed in sourcing this item.
Sourcing food especially anything green was impossible. Due to the high velocity of the winds all banana trees, Papaya fruits and Island Cabbage plants were destroyed. These are staple foods in the area.
The two combined Welfare Departments worked to source rice for the membership and arranged to ship it on Inter Island cargo boats to go out and be delivered to our Brethren. In Port Vila we were able to source more bags of rice to hand out. A morning mini seminar was given on replanting points and tips for gardeners. Many have small garden plots where they are able to grow mainly greens and fruits.
Vanuatu Welfare Department Director loading rice onto vehicle
SPUM Welfare Department Director moving 54 kg (118lbs) of rice at one time to trucks
Completion of mini gardening seminar and rice distribution in Port Vila
Once damage assessments started coming in General Conference Welfare Department was notified of the need and immediate emergency funding was released. It is nice to see the world wide disaster offerings collected in our Sabbath Bible Lessons placed into action. Australian Brethren also were notified of the needs. An Australian brother who has a business in Port Vila was able to go there first. He lost a portion of his house and many personal effects, including a caretakers' house was destroyed.
Currently as of this writing we have one Church building with minor damage, one church with major structural damage and four other churches that have lost their roofs. Incidental to this, over 14 houses were destroyed and several more damaged. Additional funds are needed to supplement the funds sent as aid.
Many words of thankfulness and praise were given for the Aid sent by the Australian Brethren and also to the General Conference Welfare Department for assistance given after the Cyclone. Those who have given from funds from other countries were thanked as well. Smiles and tears of joy and sadness were all a part of this two week experience as a witness to this. I am thanking all the givers on behalf of the Australian Union Welfare Department, South Pacific Union Mission Welfare Department, and Vanuatu Welfare Department. Much thanks of appreciation to all donors.
Eratap Church with major structural damage
I was able to visit several houses on Efate Island, and one especially which brought a flood of tears to my eyes when a brother and his wife related how the cyclone removed the roof over their heads. Due to the fact that they lived on the remote countryside, they could not escape from the storm or go to a shelter. After the roof blew off they stayed in the house cowering under their foam mattresses.
Nearby neighbours eventually came to the rescue and carried this sister away to another house nearby that had not blown down. She was incapacitated due to medical reasons and could not move. Provisional food and supplies were purchased and hand delivered. Along with this, an assessment of their immediate needs was done. We were able to pray together thanking God for His mercies and protection. The Vanuatu Welfare Department was able to further deliver bags of rice as a way of thanking the neighbours,who received the bags with thankfulness, for their assistance.
Small Portion of Emergency food Supplies being delivered.
The woman with her children is the daughter of our brother on the left whose roof blew away.
Roofing iron sheets along with some timbers , metal strapping and nails were purchased and all the Brethren were able to go to this house on a Sunday morning. In a short matter of time they were able to report having restored all the damage and deliver additional supplies like mattresses, sheets, pillows, and chairs as a witness of God’s love. Brother Andrew Pakoasongi, the Welfare Department Director for South Pacific Union Mission, was able to relate how the nearby neighbours surrounding this house were amazed at the witness of brotherly love in restoring the lives of their suffering neighbours.
Hearing stories of survival
Typical scenes around Port Vila, Vanuatu after Cyclone Pam
Post Cyclone Defoliation of trees
Typical scenes of Destruction around Vanuatu
Bibles and Hymnals are needed in Vanuatu
Above, two of the destroyed church structures on Malakula Island.
The third destroyed church on Epi Island is not shown.
Please keep these Brethren in your prayers as they rebuild their lives and, although certain funds were raised, much more funds is needed to purchase more building materials for the various damaged and destroyed church buildings on the outer islands of Vanuatu. Please donate funds noting Vanuatu Cyclone Pam.
— Australian Welfare Department